Teens plan summer events on Medina’s Public Square

Alex Mutnansky thinks young people know best when it comes to having summer fun. That’s why he and a group of like-minded teenagers have taken on the job of planning events for young people in Medina this summer.

Tonight is their debut project — a talent show, on Broadway Street at Public Square in Medina.

The event features 28 musical acts, from popular music to original tunes, and will be 6 to 8 tonight on an outdoor stage on Broadway Street facing Public Square.

The group, called Medina CHANT, was started by Mutnansky, who will be a senior at Medina High School in the fall.

“I’ve had a lot of fun doing it,” Mutnansky said. “I like helping the city, helping out charities. I’m hoping this can translate for my future.”

He’s interested in studying communications after high school and working in the music industry.

Mutnansky and the group have been working with city officials for several months to plan the events. The students have spoken at several City Council meetings to inform the public about the group’s mission. On Thursday, the students gathered at The Learning Garden, a daycare in Seville, for their final rehearsal.

Other group members are seniors Evan Neidig, Eric Rapenchuck and Morgan Lawrence, and juniors Jess Dutko and Jimmy Marco.

Neidig said his job with the group is “keeping Alex organized.” In college, he plans to study pre-law.

Mutnansky came up with the idea for the group after interviewing Medina City Councilman Bill Lamb, at-large, for a class project — a smartphone app about Medina’s history.

Lamb started a similar group when he was mayor in the 1980s. Others involved are Councilman Brian Hilberg, 1st Ward, Mayor Dennis Hanwell and Matt Wiederhold, executive director of Main Street Medina.

Hanwell said at a recent Council meeting that “the city is blessed to have such caring, committed and active youth willing to support our economic viability and our local charities.”

Concession sales at tonight’s show will benefit Feeding Medina County.

Sponsors of the talent show are Woodsy’s Music and The Learning Garden Activity Center.